Chris Stone is author of 'European Deserts' (Pelagic Publishing, February 2026). This is the untold story of the little-known deserts of Europe, sandy and infertile lowland wildernesses where extreme environmental conditions are the norm. Remote and mostly uninhabited, Europe’s arid tracts present landscapes differing profoundly from their surroundings and offer refuge for scarce flora and fauna with nowhere else to go. For long these ‘wastelands’ were poverty-stricken, and many had reputations as undesirable and even dangerous places. Today, the survival of the remaining fragments is threatened despite their distinctive biodiversity, landscapes and fascinating human tales. Yet offering unique and often magical and landscapes they provide a rare glimpse of our planet in the raw. Illustrated with powerful images, this talk presents a fresh perspective on these extraordinary places - some of which are closer to hand than one might imagine! Chris’s bold and provocative thesis will transform perceptions of the environment of the European subcontinent.

About the author

Environmentalist and author, Chris Stone graduated from one of the very first British environment degrees, and commenced his career planning wildlife conservation projects on the heaths of east Suffolk. Moving into the field of environment and development, he took a position with an environmental consultancy specialising in tourism and environmental planning. During a career spanning three decades at UK universities, Chris dedicated himself to teaching and research on sustainability, publishing widely and establishing a reputation as an academic expert on sustainable and responsible tourism. European Deserts marks Chris's return to his lifelong passion for environmental conservation in an increasingly nature-depleted world.

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